Surname Spraggs - Meaning and Origin
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Spraggs: What does the surname Spraggs mean?
The surname Spraggs is of English origin, derived from the Middle English term “spragge” which means "lively or active", often used to describe a spirited or energetic child. It's a patronymic name, meaning it was originally given to the son of a person named Sprag or Spragg. The 's' at the end, therefore, indicates "son of Sprag." It is relatively rare and found mostly in The British Isles, particularly in areas including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire in England. Although spelling variations include Spragg, Spragge, Sprags, Spurge, and Sprake, the variation "Spraggs" is less common. As with many surnames, over time, family members have migrated and thus the surname can be found in other locations around the world. It's important to bear in mind that surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics. Thus, analyzing a surname gives us a glimpse into the identity of the original bearer.
Order DNA origin analysisSpraggs: Where does the name Spraggs come from?
The last name Spraggs is not known to be a particularly common last name, and is rarely found in the United States. It is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Jamaica, where it originated. Spraggs is thought to be an English surname, and is related to Springer and Spragg.
In the United Kingdom, the last name Spraggs is most commonly seen in the Central England county of Worcestershire. It is also known to be associated with Leicester in East Midlands and Herefordshire, bordering Wales. The name also appears in records of Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and other parts of the country.
In Jamaica, the last name Spraggs traces back to the late 17th Century. The family was first recorded in Saint Thomas when a Spraggs planter, George Rogers, successfully petitioned to leave Jamaica and move to Virginia. During the 19th Century, Spraggs immigrated to Jamaica with the intention of participating in the cotton industry. The majority of the Spraggs family in Jamaica have their roots in the British Isles.
In the United States, the last name Spraggs is less common and appears to mostly be found in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. Records suggest that British immigrants may have brought the name to America in the 1800s.
Overall, the last name Spraggs is not a particularly common last name, and is mainly limited to the United Kingdom, Jamaica, and parts of the United States.
Variations of the surname Spraggs
The surname Spraggs is derived from the Old English pre 7th century word “spræg” meaning a “twig or shoot”. It is believed to have been an occupational name for a gardener or a worker in a vineyard.
Variant spellings of the surname Spraggs can include Sprag, Sprage, Sprake, Sprach, Spragg, Sproggs, and Sprogg.
Surnames that are of the same origin as Spraggs can include Spradlin, Spradling, Sprague, Spratlin, Spratling, Sprecher, Sprecker, Spreckley, Spreckelsen, Spreckels, and Spreckelmeyer.
More obscure variants of the surname Spraggs include Sparke, Spreadbury, Spreadborough, Spreat, Sprakelly, Spreda, Spriggle, and Spriggell.
It is also interesting to note that the name Spraggs is found almost exclusively in England, predominantly in the Midlands counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
Famous people with the name Spraggs
- Dave Spraggs: a retired British sculptor, best known for his work on public monuments and sculptures.
- Anna Spraggs: an English painter and illustrator who was born in the mid 19th century.
- Bob Spraggs: a former professional American football player who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1985.
- Thomas Spraggs: an English historian best known for his work in the fields of Early Modern British, Irish, and British imperial history.
- Charles Spraggs: a former Canadian politician, who represented the riding of Durham in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1945 to 1951.
- William Spraggs: a former Canadian Member of Parliament, representing the riding of York South from 1968 to 1997.
- Evelyn Spraggs: a pioneering and influential black American female artist, best known for her watercolor Aboriginal motifs.
- Kathryn Spraggs: an English landscape painter and engraver active in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
- John Spraggs: a former rugby union player who represented England between 1995 and 1996.
- Arthur Spraggs: a former English footballer who played for Farsley Celtic in the Football League during the 1960s.